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Fact sheet: Licensing of food businesses

Safe Food for Canadians Regulations

Although the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (SFCR) came into force on January 15, 2019, other requirements will be introduced in 2020 and 2021 based on food commodity, type of activity and business size. For more information, refer to the SFCR timelines.

Under the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (SFCR), food businesses need a licence based on the activities they conduct. Food businesses that conduct any of the following activities are required to obtain a licence:

import food

manufacture, process, treat, preserve, grade, package, or label food to be exported or sent across provincial or territorial borders

export food that requires an export certificate – even if not preparing the food

slaughter food animals from which meat products are derived for export or to be sent across provincial or territorial borders

store and handle a meat product in its imported condition for inspection by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).

How does it work?

A business may choose to apply for one licence that covers all of its establishments, activities and types of food, or multiple licences that would cover unique combinations of establishments, activities and types of food.

To apply for a licence, a business must submit an application to CFIA providing:

activities for which a licence is being sought

location(s) of establishment(s) where the activities will be conducted

types of foods for which a licence is being sought

attestation that they have preventive controls in place.

If a business holds a registration or licence issued under the Canada Agricultural Products Act, the Fish Inspection Act or the Meat Inspection Act:

it remains valid until it expires, even though the SFCR are now in force, as long as there is a statement on it that it is also a licence issued under the Safe Food for Canadians Act (SFCA).

Once expired, food businesses will need to apply for a licence under the SFCR.

Sign up for My CFIA today to access a growing number of online services including, licences, export certificates, as well as electronic payment options.